Rushegura Gorilla Family: Rushegura gorilla family is one of the gorilla groups available for tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda at the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. More so, Bwindi is the largest protected area for mountain gorillas in the world. It is home to over 25 habituated gorilla families.
The Rushegura gorilla family is one of the many habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was first in 2000. By 2002, the Rushegura gorilla family was open for tourism or gorilla trekking. This family used to move from Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo. As time went by, Rushegura made Bwindi Impenetrable National Park its permanent home. Additionally, the family lives in the Buhoma Sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Buhoma is one of the four sectors of the park. Other gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi are Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija.
By the time of its habituation in 2000, the Rushegura family was made up of 21 individuals. Currently, the family is made up of 19 members with a mix of females, babies, and silverbacks. The name Rushegura comes from a local word, “Ebishegura,” a unique tree species that is common in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is one of the calmest gorilla families in Bwindi. Rushegura gorilla family is led by the silverback, Kabukojo.
Furthermore, the Rushegura gorilla family lost its members with the birth of the Habinyanja family. The family was under the leadership of a fierce silverback known as Mwirima. Mwirima later died in March 2014.
How much is a gorilla permit to see the Rushegura gorilla family?
Like any other gorilla family in Uganda, one must have a valid gorilla permit to see the Rushegura group. This permit is simply the legal document that allows travelers to visit gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga national parks.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are sold according to one’s nationality. Foreign nonresidents buy gorilla permits at USD 800. On the other hand, foreign residents buy permits at USD 700. Members from other African countries get gorilla permits at USD 500. Lastly, members of the East African Community buy gorilla trekking permits at Ugx 300,000. You must note that permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and they can only be sold to tour operators like Native Africa Tours. If you plan to track gorillas, it is advisable to book your gorilla permit ahead of time to avoid last-minute challenges.
More about the Buhoma sector
Buhoma sector is one of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is located in the northern part of the park. More so, Buhoma is the biggest sector in Bwindi.
This sector carries the honor of being the first place where gorilla trekking was done in 1993. It is also home to the oldest habituated families in Bwindi. Some of the habituated gorilla families in Buhoma include the Muyambi family, Katwe family, Habinyanja group, and Rushegura group.
Which lodges are near the Rushegura gorilla family in Bwindi?
Looking for a place to stay before and after tracking gorillas of the Rushegura family? Do not fret. There are multiple accommodation facilities you can choose from. Some of these facilities include Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Lodge, Ride 4 Woman Guest House, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Camp, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and many others.
How to access Buhoma Sector.
The Buhoma sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessed by both road and air transport. While using air transport, catch a domestic flight scheduled from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip. Then, from the airstrip, it takes 2 hours to drive by road to Buhoma park headquarters.
Alternatively, using road transport, it takes 8 to 9 hours to reach Buhoma from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. From Kigali International Airport, you can also access Buhoma via the Katuna border. It takes about 4 hours to reach the park headquarters.
